Provincial government provides tips for a safe Halloween in Burlington, Oakville, Milton

The provincial government has provided some tips for trick-or-treaters in Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills to stay safe on Halloween.

If you trick-or-treat door-to-door

• stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
• trick-or-treat outdoors as much as possible
• be creative and build the face covering into your costume. Remember that a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering. A costume mask should not be worn over a non-medical mask or face covering because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe.
• do not crowd doorsteps – take turns one at a time
• do not sing or shout for your treats
• keep interactions brief with those giving out treats
• use hand sanitizer often, especially before and after handling your face covering, after touching frequently touched surfaces, when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats
• there is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats
• If trick-or-treating indoors, maintain physical distancing as much as possible and wear a face covering, especially when physical distancing is a challenge.

If you choose to give out treats:

• do not participate in Halloween festivities if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
• keep interactions with trick-or-treaters short and encourage them to move along after receiving their treat from you
• consider wearing a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained
• consider including the face covering as part of your costume if you are dressing up
• give out only purchased and packaged treats
• do not ask trick-or-treaters to sing or shout for their treats
• clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or with hand sanitizer